National League Three North: Burnage 21 Cleckheaton 45

CLECKHEATON scored six tries and picked up five valuable league points against bottom club Burnage in what was a must-win game for the West Yorkshire side as they try to raise themselves out of the relegation zone.

A below-par kicking game from Cleckheaton kept the scores close in the first half and, while they did take a 3-0 lead with a penalty under the sticks, they also missed four or five other penalties to touch.

The visitors also allowed the ball to bounce when Burnage kicked through and were caught out by the eccentricities of the 3G pitch at Varley Park, which led to Burnage's first try, making it 5-3 after 20 minutes.

A penalty put Burnage further ahead but their lead did not last long as firstly man of the match Jack Seddon fought his way over and then fly half Ronan Evans' shimmy wrong-footing the defence for a try and conversion that put Cleckheaton 15-8 ahead, Burnage then landing a penalty just before half-time.

Cleckheaton, who made few personnel changes for the second half, were much more assured, Matt Piper barging his way over for a try before Burnage landed another penalty, Cleckheaton responding with two of their own.

The visitors sealed the points when Rich Piper went in for the bonus-point try.

Burnage scored under the sticks to give them hope at 33-21 but it was Cleckheaton’s day as James Wilson scored close to the uprights before Matt Piper went in for his second try on full time.